With title-chasing Rivers United and Plateau United not in action until Thursday, the spotlight shifted to the downside of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standings where several teams continued the fight for another stint in the elite division.

Katsina United, on19th position before the start of Matchday 24 actions, shrugged off a stubborn Shooting Stars to record a 3-1 win that helps their fight to avoid relegation this season. Madaki Alkali Dauda had opened the scoring for Katsina United in the 34th minute, but Sochima Elum restored parity after he met a loose ball with a sweet strike in the 53rd minute. However, the Chanji Boys regained their lead after Dauda converted a 59th-minute penalty kick while Aliyu Musa’s goal in the 91st minute secured a vital win that lifts the hosts to the 17th spot.
In Makurdi, Endurance Ebedebiri put Lobi Stars ahead against Gombe United on the stroke of half time while Chinonso Okonkwo doubled the lead from the penalty spot on the hour mark. AlAmeen AlAmeen came off the bench to half the deficit for the visitors in the 76th minute but Lobi Stars held on for their first win in four games, and a climb to the 16th position.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars turned out in style to grab their first ever win over Dakkada in the NPFL. Following a 33rd-minute opener from Tolulope Ojo, the visitors gave a scare by drawing level through Dan Etido’s effort six minutes later. However, the Sky Blue Stars showed class in the second half as goals from Qudus Akanni, Andy Okpe, and Sikiru Alimi earned the hosts a 4-1 win and another charge on a qualification for a CAF spot next season.

Kwara United’s up and down form continued as Abia Warriors forced a 1-1 draw in Ilorin. Samuel Tiza had broken the deadlock few seconds before the half time, but Valentine Odoh’s goal, ten minutes into the second half, earned the visitors their fifth away point of the season.
The push of Rangers Internationals for a continental tournament next season was dented by a 2-1 defeat against Niger Tornadoes. Goals by Segun Alebiosu and Musa Wakili in the 33rd and 82nd minutes respectively sandwiched Kenechukwu Agu’s equalizer on the hour mark.
The remaining five fixtures for Matchday 24 will hold across different centres on Thursday.

NPFL Matchday24 Results (Wednesday)
Lobi Stars 2-1 Gombe United
Katsina United 3-1 Shooting Stars
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Kwara United 1-1 Abia Warriors
Remo Stars 4-1 Dakkada FC

Thursday’s fixtures
Sunshine Stars vs Rivers United
Akwa United vs Nasarawa United
MFM FC vs Wikki Tourists
Heartland FC vs Plateau United
Enyimba International vs Kano Pillars

Umar Abubakar and Khalifa Aminu handed Katsina United a two-goal lead at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Ahmad Hassan set up a tensed home stretch when he reduced the deficit for Pillars.

Heartland defeated Lobi Stars 1-0 thanks to Uzom Testimony’s 19th minute goal.

MFM FC weren’t potent in front of goal and they drew 0-0 against Akwa United.

Kwara United and Warri Wolves settled for a 0-0 draw to wrap up the day’s games.

Akwa United are on top of Group A with four points same with MFM FC. Heartland are third with three points while Lobi Stars are pointless after two games in the second group phase of the competition.

In Group B, Warri Wolves have accumulated four points from two games, Kano Pillars and Katsina United have three points each. At the bottom is Kwara United with one point.

Day 10 Results:

Kano Pillars 1-2 Katsina United

Lobi Stars 0-1 Heartland

MFM FC 0-0 Akwa United

Warri Wolves 0-0 Kwara United.

Day 11 Fixtures – Wednesday 28th April, 2021

Lobi Stars Vs MFM FC

Akwa United Vs Heartland

Kano Pillars Vs Warri Wolves

Katsina United Vs Kwara United

Akwa United have now picked six points from two matches. Jigawa Golden Stars still have one point.

Suleiman Shehu, Idris Khamus and Imrana Musa were on target for Kano Pillars who walloped Enyimba 3-0.

The Young Masu Gida also sealed their place in the last eight with six points from two games.

Lobi Stars forced Dakkada to a 1-1 draw at the Cathedral.

It was a match of few chances, but Victor Michael drew the first blood before Sejugh Lortyer levelled matters for the Makurdi based side.

Dakkada have picked two points from two games, while Lobi Stars have one point.

Action continues on Tuesday when Rivers United take on Adamawa United.

Another game will see defending champions Katsina United face Heartland. Both sides won their opening group games.

Meanwhile, Warri Wolves will hope to prey on MFM FC on Tuesday.

Monday’s Results

Akwa United 1-0 Jigawa Golden Stars

Enyimba 0-3 Kano Pillars

Lobi Stars 1-1 Dakkada FC

Topscorers As At Day 4

2 Goals

Chikwere Chigaemezu – Heartland

Umar Abubakar – Katsina United

Imrana Musa – Kano Pillars

Idris Khamus – Kano Pillars

1 Goal

Ugochukwu Okpara – Heartland

Abubakar Yasir – Katsina United

Jibril Isah – Kano Pillars

Suleiman Shehu – Kano Pillars

Olatunbosun Lateef – Kwara United

Victor Michael – Dakkada FC

Sejugh Lortyer – Lobi Stars

Okiki Oghenoruese – Warri Wolves

Samuel Effiong – Akwa United

Emmanuel Edem – Dakkada FC

Chidiuto Emelda – Enyimba

Godswill Ndaeyo – Akwa United

Tuesday’s Fixtures

Rivers United Vs Adamawa United

Heartland Vs Katsina United

Warri Wolves Vs MFM FC

It was Kwara United who faced Abia Warriors in an entertaining opening match of the day.

For the Young Harmony Boys, they wanted to pick a positive result and they got it thanks to Olatunbosun Lateef.

With the 1-0 result, United have four points from two games, while Warriors have no joy after two games.

In the second game of day 3, hosts Rangers could not contain their fast-paced opponents, Warri Wolves, as they succumbed to a 1-0 loss.

Okiki Oghenoruese popped up with an all important 40th minute winner.

In the final match, coach Babatunde Elijah led his MFM FC side in search of a win over Plateau United.

The game was very entertaining as both sides played a high pressing game.

Despite keeping their counterparts under siege at some stage, Plateau United were not clinical upfront.

At the end of proceedings it was goalless between the Olukoya Boys and Plateau United.

Meanwhile, Kwara United will now turn their focus to Akwa United for their last group game, while already eliminated Abia Warriors will try to save face against Jigawa Golden Stars.

NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises – Day 3 Results

Kwara United 1-0 Abia Warriors

Rangers 0-1 Warri Wolves

MFM FC 0-0 Plateau United

Topscorers As At Day 3

2 Goals

Chikwere Chigaemezu – Heartland

Umar Abubakar – Katsina United

1 Goal

Ugochukwu Okpara – Heartland

Abubakar Yasir – Katsina United

Jibril Isah – Kano Pillars

Imrana Musa – Kano Pillars

Idris Khamus – Kano Pillars

Olatunbosun Lateef – Kwara United

Okiki Oghenoruese – Warri Wolves

Samuel Effiong – Akwa United

Emmanuel Edem – Dakkada FC

Chidiuto Emelda – Enyimba

Jubril Isah opened the scoring for Pillars in the 26th minute before Imrana Musa made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute.

The third goal of the match was scored by Idris Khamus with three minutes left on the clock.

In the second match of the day, Heartland hammered Adamawa United 3-0.

Chikwere Chigaemezu started the rout in the 24th minute. He completed his brace before halftime.

Partner in crime, Ugochukwu Okpara sealed the win for Heartland in the 45th minute of the match.

In the third game of the day, defending champions Kastina United devoured Rivers United 3-0.

Umar Abubakar bagged a double on the 18th and 53rd minutes respectively.

Abubakar Yasir put the beyond Rivers United in the 55th minute.

The NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises tournament continues on Saturday with three games.

Kwara United will battle with Abia Warriors in the first game of the day at 7:30am.

Rangers International have a tricky test with Warri Wolves.

MFM FC versus Plateau United will compete for three points in the final match of the day.

A solitary strike from the impressive Samuel Effiong helped Akwa United claim a 1-0 win in their 2021 NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises opener against Abia Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Thursday.

Abia Warriors had the better of the play, but could not turn their dominance into three points.

According to Abia Warriors coach, Emenike Ezeugo, his boys weren’t lucky in the game.

“The boys tried and played very well. This is the first match and I can’t judge the boys. In our second match, we should hopefully pick it up from there,” he said.

“It was just hardluck, it is not easy to create chances. When you create chances and don’t convert them, then the luck isn’t there.”

“The target is to qualify from the group stage. From there, I will think about the next level.”

Coach Edward Edemekong who tutored the Young Promise Keepers felt relieved with the win.

“I give kudos to the players for their resilience. They were magnificent and got a good result.”

“I think Abia Warriors have a good team. The last time we met, it was 4-1 in our favour. I think they have really improved. I give them a lot of credit.”

Kwara United and Jigawa Golden Stars settled for a 0-0 draw at the Cathedral.

The Harmony Boys pressed for the lead before halftime, but the teams went into the break level.

It was more of the same after the break as Kwara United continued to make all of the running. It was goalless at full time.

The last game of the day saw Enyimba forcing Dakkada FC to a 1-1 draw.

Emmanuel Edem stunned the Aba boys with a sizzling effort but Chidiuto Emelda helped Enyimba level matters.

Enyimba continued to push forward in the closing stages and had a number of chances to grab a winner, but couldn’t find a way past the disciplined Dakkada FC side.

The 2021 NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises action continues on Friday with three matches scheduled to hold at the Cathedral.

Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars will face off in what is an intriguing clash. Both teams will believe they should make the next round, and so victory in this one would be a giant step towards achieving that.

The second match is between Adamawa United and Heartland.

Defending champions, Katsina United will have their hands full against Rivers United.

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

Abia Warriors 0-1 Akwa United

Jigawa Golden Stars 0-0 Kwara United

Dakkada FC 1-1 Enyimba FC

FRIDAY’S FIXTURES

Kano Pillars Vs Lobi Stars

Adamawa United Vs Heartland

Katsina United Vs Rivers United

GOALSCORERS

1 goal

Samuel Effiong (Akwa United)

Emmanuel Edem (Dakkada FC)

Chidiuto Emelda (Enyimba FC)

Speaking while receiving officials of Nigeria Football Federation / League Management Company, Enugu State Football Association Officials and the Local Organizing Committee members, in his office, Tuesday, Commissioner Manfred Nzekwe, commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for deeming Enugu State capable of hosting such important football tournament.

He assured that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, by accepting to host the tournament, the state government will put everything in place to guarantee the success of the tournament adding that the tournament will be the best organized tournament in Nigeria.

He further assured that every relevant stakeholder will be brought on board to ensure a successful tournament.

In his speech, the leader of the delegation and General Coordinator Youth League, of the Nigeria Football Federation/ League Management Company, Dr. Sunny Obaseki, informed the Commissioner that U-15 La Liga/NPFL tournament will commence from Monday, 12th April, as arrival date, while kick- off will commence on Thursday, 15th April, with the final coming up on May 2, 2021.

He requested for accommodation of visiting teams and vehicles for the visiting Local Organizing Committee members, adding that the team will work in synergy with other stakeholders to ensure the success of the tournament.

In his statement, the Chairman Enugu State Football Association Barrister Tony Ugwu, assured that all the necessary logistics required for the Championship will be provided by the state Football Association and the organizing committee.

The 20 teams participating in the top flight of Nigeria league, NPFL are expected to send their U-15 teams to the mid-season tourney while Katsina United U-15 team is the defending champion of the tournament.

The announcement was made by the Chairman of the LMC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, in a Press Conference held at the corporate head office of the league body in the country’s capital City, Abuja.

Among those present at the event was the country Director of Laliga, Desmond Chiji, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports in Enugu State, Manfred Nzekwe, NFF Deputy Director of technical, coach Paul Aigbogun and ex Nigerian international, Garba Lawal.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the LMC said: “The 2021 version of the NPFL Laliga U-15 Promises Youth League is dear to us; it has been very successful over the years, and we have to thank Laliga for giving us the ideas and support to get this going over the years, said Dikko.”

“It is time to get boys to come and play, after the disruption of last year’s edition as a result of the emergence of COVID-19.”

“So far, we’ve done the usual coaches training online and this project has sent over 500 coaches across the NPFL and the grassroot sector of Nigerian football, and as at today, every club in the top flight has a player or two that has passed through this project in the last few years.”

“We’re also doing this programme to unveil Enugu State Government. We thank the Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for being magnanimous enough to see the vision of this project.”

“This time, Government of Enugu State will host all the participants for the duration of the entire competition. We also thank the Honourable Commissioner for Sports for his efforts in making things work.”

While thanking the League Management Company and Enugu State Government, the Laliga country Director, Desmond Chiji said: “Our commitment towards the NPFL has always been the same and the development of football in the country remains our priority, that’s why we’ll keep supporting the growth of the game in anyway we know how.

“Football speaks a lot of languages, Laliga speaks more than language and that is the message we preach through our logos. We want to speak the local language; we want to be part of what is happening in Nigeria.

The Honourable Commissioner while conveying the message of his Governor, maintained that Enugu State is the safest Haven for youth developmental programmes such as the NPFL/Laliga U-15 Youth League.

“The Governor has assured that Enugu State will host this year’s edition of the programme and everything has been put in place for a successful hosting.

“We’re also assuring you that the state being the capital of South Eastern states is one of the safest in terms of security of lives and property.

This year’s edition of the NPFL/Laliga U-15 Promises Youth League will hold between 14th and 28th  of April 2021 with Katsina United FC U-15 side as the defending Champions.